If your dog is happy and healthy, they’ll most likely have a regular bathroom schedule. However, there are times when you might wonder how to make a dog poop quickly. This may be because they swallowed something they shouldn’t have and you want it out. If this is the case and the object poses no actual harm to your dog, they will pass it on their own, but if it does pose harm, take them to the vet.
Another reason you may be asking how to make a dog poop quickly could be because they haven’t pooped for a few days and you’re worried for them.
Why Your Dog Needs to Poop Regularly
Like humans, dogs need to poop in order to remove excess waste. And like humans, dogs can become constipated if they can’t manage to remove the waste, which can cause issues. If you notice your dog hasn’t pooped for around 3 days, this is the time to start watching their bathroom habits a little more closely to see if they’re constipated. At this point, you can either try to resolve the issue yourself or you can make an appointment with your vet. However, if the issue doesn’t go away, or happens frequently, you will need to go to the vet no matter what.
Mild Constipation
If it’s only been 2-3 days since you noticed your dog go poop, they may only be mildly constipated. This is easiest to notice if they seem fine but have a bloated stomach area.
Signs of Mild Constipation
Your dog may be mildly constipated if you notice any of the following happening when they go to the bathroom.
-They produce a small amount of poop that’s small and hard
-They seem uncomfortable pooping
-They take longer than normal to poop
-They are physically straining to poop
Treatment for Mild Constipation
Luckily, there are a few things you can do your on your own to help your dog resolve their constipation.
Make sure they’re getting lots of water. One of the leading causes of constipation is lack of water as too much can be absorbed during the digestive process. You can switch them to wet food or add more water to their current food.
Exercise is a great way to help get your dog going as it promotes movement within their gastrointestinal tract. Combined with other dogs who have gone to the bathroom in areas you visit, this may prompt a bowel movement.
Adding fiber to your dog’s diet can help with the issue, but may make it worse if they get too much. You can give your dog a teaspoon (or tablespoon if they’re very large) of plain canned pumpkin. A second option is to give some them Psyliumm/unflavored Metamucil. You can give them 1/2 a teaspoon for every 10 pounds your dog weighs.
You can call your vet and ask for instructions on using a laxative, but do not do so without their approval.
Severe Constipation
If you haven’t been able to get your dog to poop for at least 4 days and they have started to seem uncomfortable or in pain, this is the time to take your dog to the vet, as you can no longer treat their constipation at home and there may be more concerning signs happening that could be an indicator to underlying issues.
Signs of Severe Constipation
If you notice any of the following with your dog’s constipation, it’s time for a trip to the vet.
-Blood in their poop
-No longer eating
-Vomiting
-A very bloated/distended stomach
-Has not pooped for 4+ days
Treatment for Severe Constipation
To treat severe constipation, you will need to go to your vet, where they will likely use anesthesia on your dog in order to perform an enema to remove the blocked stool.
Your vet may give your dog a laxative and instruct you on some diet changes.
How to make a dog poop quickly isn’t as easy a process as it may seem, as there is no instant method. You can only make sure they’re getting enough water and fiber to push past their constipation, or you need to see a vet if it is too severe to be treated at home.
